Justin Ernsberger Named Executive Chef At Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Sept. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- The soon-to-open Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn (254-256 Fifth Avenue) has named Justin Ernsberger as its executive chef, as announced by franchise owners Bruce Fox and Jonathan Young. Mr. Ernsberger is a 1997 graduate of the French Culinary Institute, earning the prestigious Grand Diplome, and gained experience at such renowned New York City eateries as Aquagrill and Jean-Georges.

A product of New York City’s Lower East Side, Mr. Ernsberger now resides in Brooklyn’s Flatbush section.

Most recently, Ernsberger served as consultant chef for the Lobster Joint, and prior stints as executive chef at The Mermaid Inn in the East Village, and Walter Foods in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Ernsberger’s first restaurant job was as a dishwasher at Mama’s Food Shop in the East Village, where his career as a chef was inspired by Michael Rosenfeld.

“We are proud to name Justin Ernsberger as our executive chef,” said Fox and Young in a joint statement. “He has a great flair for seafood, and his experience has earned him the opportunity to serve in the tradition of the Grand Central Oyster Bar.”

“I’m definitely excited to join an established, legendary place like the Oyster Bar, which has stood the test of time. And I absolutely have an affinity for seafood,” said Ernsberger. “I love the complexity of the market, and the availability of so many different types of seafood that allow you to work with so many ingredients. People just go bonkers over shellfish, There’s really a cult following.”

“Jeremy Marshall (at Aquagrill) was a mentor,’ adds Ernsberger. “Jeremy had the classical French training. We spoke the same language. He showed me techniques that I was not familiar with, and I picked up on his passion for seafood.  I admired him a great deal. I came into my own as a chef working under him. He gave me a lot of confidence.  I give a nod to his training and mentorship.”

For more information contact info@oysterbarbrooklyn.com.

About the Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn: Home to such landmarks as the Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park and the Cyclone, Brooklyn adds another piece of history when the Grand Central Oyster Bar, the century-old, New York City seafood restaurant, comes to Park Slope later this year.

Franchise owners Jonathan Young, a longtime Brooklyn resident, and Bruce Fox announced that the 254-256 Fifth Avenue location will open as the Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn in late Fall. The 5,000-square foot space, which previously housed Fornino, is the second largest in Park Slope. It will include an open kitchen, bar and lounge area, as well as a main dining room. The 150-seater will be "a neighborhood restaurant that pays homage to the original Oyster Bar with an added Brooklyn flair," say the owners. The menu will include traditional oyster bar core recipes such as classic pan roasts, stews and chowders, with a focus on shellfish: from oysters and clams to lobster, crab and shrimp. Sixteen varieties of oysters - 8 from both the east and west coasts - will be on the menu. In addition, pasta seafood specials will be served daily. The accent will also be on local produce from area farmers’ markets.  Grand Central Oyster Bar Brooklyn will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and brunch on Sundays.

Young had previously served as General Manager of the Oyster Bar's original New York location, while Fox is the Oyster Bar's Vice President of Franchising.

For more information contact info@oysterbarbrooklyn.com.